Floral and plant bouquet arranging fixture

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a reusable floral bouquet arranging fixture having a 3D substantially conic section frame, with apertures arranged thereon for the insertion of plant stems, such that the plant stems converge substantially to a common point; wherein the frame attaches to an adjustable support apparatus, including an associated spindle, and a bracket having a lower arm with a slotted portion that adjusts the location of the spindle, and an upper arm slotted portion that adjusts the location of a holding device, including a clamp that attaches to a base; and wherein said frame is removable for use at an event, as a gift, or as a household or business decoration.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/208,955, filed Aug. 24, 2015,entitled Floral and Plant Arranging Form and Clamp Holder Apparatus andMethod, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to hand-held floral bouquet arrangements and morespecifically to a reusable floral arranging form and an adjustabledevice that reduces plant handling, and meets the ergonomic needs of afloral arranger.

BACKGROUND

The making of plant and flower bouquets requires skill in plantselection, assembly, and arrangement, and in the securing of stems tocreate a desired finished product. Oftentimes, careful, artful arrangingof flowers and securing of stems requires two people to maintain shapeand uniformity of the design as the bouquet is created, and to handleand maneuver the stems below the bouquet, when the design is completed.Although vase-covering grids allow for some hands-free use, they arestatic devices that must be used at a set tabletop height. Static floralarranging forms and devices require the floral arranger to pre-cut plantstems before arranging and securing the plants in their finished form.This can lead to wear, damage and waste of plants from over handling.This can also lead to waste if stems are prematurely cut too shortsimply to fit current devices. Static devices can also lead to userfatigue from standing or sitting in one position for too long in orderto prepare a single or multiple bouquets. Florists also use an articlethat utilizes a material known as floral foam into which plants areinserted. One such article has at one end floral foam in substantially aspherical shape, and at the other end below the floral foam, a supportand handle for holding the floral foam and is generally referred to as afloral foam form. Some floral foam is non-biodegradable, and in certaincases is manufactured from carcinogenic material, such as carbon blackand formaldehyde. In addition to the environmental drawbacks, floralfoam forms are inconvenient and clumsy to use, requiring the floralarranger to hold the handle for long periods while designing a bouquetor having to place the form on a table top or work bench for a varietyof reasons, such as user fatigue and plant selection. Placing apartially completed arrangement on a table can cause premature bruisingor even death of fragile flowers. Professional florists or hobbyists whouse floral foam forms for creating bouquets would benefit from aninvention that does not have the drawbacks typically present in staticbouquet arranging devices or those that use floral foam, and that alsoprovides a safe and ecologically friendly method for creating uniformlyshaped bouquet designs of varying outlines and sizes, without the needor assistance of others, avoids unnecessary cutting, handling and wasteof plants during assembly, and is adjustable to varying heights anddepths to provide ergonomic comfort to the floral arranger.

One bouquet assembly device, U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,237 discloses aworkholder and means for supporting the workholder in a cantileverfashion. One drawback is that the apparatus is not adjustable in heightor depth once fixed in place on a tabletop. Additionally, a fixeddistance exists between the workholder and the apparatus base requiringcutting of plants prior to arrangement and assembly.

Another device, U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,184 discloses the combination of astationary floral foam based holder for receiving plants together with aremovable guide wire frame, through which, cut plants are passed andinserted, stem first, into the floral foam, such that the stems do notextend substantially beyond the area defined by the guide wires. Oncethe floral foam is filled with plants, the guide may be removed. Adrawback is that the apparatus is not adjustable in height or depth oncefixed in place on a tabletop. This device also requires pre-cutting ofplants prior to arrangement and assembly and may also necessitatemultiple cuts to plants as they are arranged within the foam form. Also,the open wire frame does not guarantee uniformity in shape or design ofthe final product, if these are important considerations. Each of thesedevices requires use of a floral foam holder, vase, pot or othercontainer to hold the plants while they are arranged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a bouquet arranging and design system having areusable floral fixture that is inexpensive to manufacture and thatadjusts in height and/or depth for user comfort. The invention alsoincreases production efficiency, by reducing plant waste or damage andaids a floral arranger in creating floral bouquets, without assistancefrom others.

More particularly, the invention pertains to a reusable apparatus forarranging a floral bouquet including, a frame, having athree-dimensional (“3D”) substantially conic section, such as by way ofexample, a 3D parabolic shape (a solid surface generated by the rotationof a parabola around its axis of symmetry) or a 3D hemispherical shape(a solid surface generated by the rotation of a circle around its axisof symmetry), (hereafter each simply referred to as parabolic shape orhemispherical shape, respectively), with apertures arranged thereon forthe insertion of plant stems, such that plant stems convergesubstantially at a common point; said frame attaching to an adjustablesupport apparatus, including an associated spindle, and a bracket havinga lower arm with a slotted portion that adjusts the location of thespindle, and an upper arm slotted portion that adjusts the location of aholding device, for example, a clamp that attaches to a base, by way ofexample, a base plate, a desk, work table, workbench or shelf; andwherein said frame is removable for use by way of example and notlimitation, at an event, as a gift, or as a household or businessdecoration.

In another non-limiting embodiment, the frame may be manufactured in avariety of configurations to create bouquets of varying sizes andshapes, such as geometric shapes, e.g., parabolas, circles, ellipses,crosses or fanciful designs, such as stars, hearts, animals, or figuresinspired by hobbies, sports or movies. In one embodiment, the initialframe shape undergoes a manufacturing process of changing the initialtwo-dimensional shape into a three-dimensional shape. For example, atwo-dimensional circular frame transforms into a three-dimensionalframe, such as the substantially parabolic shape. Other two-dimensionalshapes are similarly transformed into three-dimensional designs thatincrease the number of possible floral arrangements.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the frame as shaped insubstantially the parabolic section, causes the plant stems that areinserted through frame apertures, to self-orient to a point below theframe where, as more stems are added and the circumference around thestems increases, the stems converge to a vertex. It has been determinedthat a parabolic, hemispherical or half-dome frame shape meets therequirements for minimizing plant stem breakage and achieving adesirable aesthetic, by directing the stems to a common point so theyare more easily secured or bound by a floral arranger.

In another embodiment, the apertures include a combination of one ormore of, size, shape, separation, and coding, e.g., notches, colors,letters, words or numbers, which, when used in combination withpictures, videos, written or other modes of instruction, provides amethod for achieving a desired bouquet design. Alternatively, suchcoding may appear on the frame surface or in combination with aperturecoding. By way of example, and not limitation, a section of the framemay display the color red to indicate to the floral arranger that redplants should be inserted in apertures within the red-colored section,while within the red colored section, the letters “R” and “C”,respectively, displayed in proximity to or within an aperture, indicatesto the floral arranger that a pink rose should be inserted through the“R” aperture and a white carnation, should be inserted through the “C”aperture.

The shapes, configuration and separation of the apertures in alternativeembodiments may be modified in a variety of ways to facilitate theformation of different shaped bouquets. For example, circular,elliptical, oval, or polygonal shaped apertures and/or the angle or theseparations of the apertures could be modified for additional spacebetween plants and the angle at which the plants rest in the frame, tocreate a different aesthetic in a completed floral bouquet.

In an alternate embodiment, the invention includes a frame, joined to anadjustable support apparatus in the place of the spindle and bracket,and includes one or more telescoping shafts, joined to a holding devicethat includes an associated support shaft and base, wherein said frameis removable for use.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a floral arranging device,by way of example, a floral foam form, is used in combination with anadapter block, said adapter block having a first channel for receivingand securely holding a floral foam form handle, said adapter blockjoined to an adjustable support apparatus having an associated firstsupport shaft, joined to a holding device having a second shaftconnected to a base; wherein the floral foam form is removable for use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shaped frame with bracket and holdingdevice in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a top view of a shaped frame showing the location anddistribution of apertures in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2B is a top view of an alternate embodiment of frame and apertureshape, with coding.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a shaped frame with flowers insertedthrough two of the several apertures in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4A is a plan view of a floral foam form, an adapter, shafts, and abase in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a plan view of the frame, shafts and base in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a side view of the adapter block in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the adapter block in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of use in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description includes the best mode of carryingout the invention and is made for the purpose of illustrating thegeneral principles of the invention and should not be taken in alimiting sense. The scope of the invention is determined by reference tothe claims. Each part or function is assigned a reference number,wherever that part is shown in the figures.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 includes a frame 1 connectedto a spindle shaft 3, which spindle shaft is connected to a bracket 5,and which bracket 5, is connected to a clamp 4. The bracket 5 includesan upper arm 5 a and substantially perpendicular thereto, a lower arm 5b, each with a slot 15 and 16, respectively, along a portion of thelength of each arm. A fastener 7, inserts, through the frame center hole7 a, into the spindle shaft 3 through a female connection. At theopposing end 9 of spindle shaft 3, the spindle shaft is attached to abracket 5, by a fastener 6 inserted through the slot 16, through thebracket lower arm 5 b. Slot 16 also allows for depthwise adjustment,either forward toward the floral arranger, or backward away from thefloral arranger. The clamp 4 also includes a fastener 18 for attachingthe clamp 4 to the bracket upper arm 5 a through slot 15 that allows forheightwise adjustment of the frame 1 and bracket 5. The clamp 4 alsoincludes an opening 19 for fixing the clamp to a base (not shown).Adjustment knob 11, screw shaft 12, and foot 13 tightens the clamp 4 toa base.

One or more of the apparatus 100 components may be plastic or metal,however, alternative materials could be utilized including recyclable orbiodegradable materials, geo-plastics, rubber, metal, wood, wire, paper,plant or tree bulk or other material that will support the weight ofplants when the stems are passed through the apertures 2.

The apparatus 100 may be constructed through a variety of processes andtechniques, such as injection molding, thermoforming, 3D printing,additive manufacturing, metal forming, as well as utilizing adhesives,mating parts or other means of joining or molding materials, which, byway of example and not limitation, may replace the necessity of thefastener 7. Such processes and techniques are well-known to thoseskilled in the art of manufacturing and assembling two-dimensional andthree-dimensional shaped fixtures constructed from metals, plastics andrecyclable materials.

The horizontal adjustment feature, as illustrated in FIG. 1, includesthe horizontal slot 16 in bracket 5. The spindle shaft 3 is fastenedwithin the horizontal slotted area 16 by means of fastener 6. Thefastener 6 can be partially loosened to slide horizontally toward oraway from the clamp 4, and the fastener 6 can be tightened to secure thespindle 3, once the desired horizontal work position is obtained. Itshould be noted that fastener 6 could be substituted with a variety ofother fasteners for example and not limitation, thumb knobs or quickrelease tightening methods, while accomplishing the same general purposeof the invention.

With further reference to FIG. 1, spindle shaft 3 may also be assembledfrom cooperating telescoping removable shafts to adjust the distancebetween the top of the frame 1 and the bracket 5.

FIG. 1 illustrates a clamp 4 having tightening knob 11 with threadedshaft 12 and foot 13, which are used together after inserting a base,such as a table edge, into the void 19, between foot 13 and theunderside of clamp arm 10. Clamp 4 is attached to bracket 5 through slot15, by means of a pair of fasteners 18 inserted through slot 15 into theclamp 4 into a pair of tapped holes 17, which serve to attach thebracket 5 to clamp 4. The attachment of the bracket 5 to clamp 4provides for vertical adjustment of clamp 4 along slot 15 to a desiredworking elevation. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper arm 5 a and lower arm 5b are situated at substantially a 90 degree angle 14 to one another.

As shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 3, the surface of the frame 1includes the plurality of apertures 2 that receive plant stems (see,FIG. 3, 23). With reference to FIG. 2A, the apertures 2, on the surfaceof the frame 1 are arranged in a pattern that optimizes the quantity andposition of plants 26 and stems 23, above and below the frame 1,respectively, to achieve the desired shape of the finished bouquetarrangement. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention asillustrated in FIG. 2A, the apertures 2 are substantially circular inshape. The shape and size of the frame 1, and the optimal shape, size,and orientation of the apertures 2, will vary depending upon the desiredsize and shape of the finished floral arrangement. In anotherembodiment, the apertures and/or the frame are coded which, when used incombination with pictures, video, written or other mode of instruction,provides a method for achieving a desired bouquet design.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the frame may be manufactured in a variety ofconfigurations to create bouquets of varying sizes and shapes, such asgeometric shapes, e.g., parabolas, circles, ellipses, crosses orfanciful designs, such as stars, hearts, animals, or figures inspired byhobbies, sports or movies. The size, shape and separation of aperturesare variable and independent of a frame configuration. By way ofexample, a star shaped frame 1, may have star shaped apertures 2 asillustrated in FIG. 2B, or other aperture shapes depending on thedesired bouquet design. FIG. 2B also illustrates the use of codes 2 a onthe surface of the frame 1 which may be used by a floral arranger toachieve a desired bouquet design.

With reference to FIG. 3, after filling the frame 1 with plants, butbefore removing the frame 1 from the bracket, a floral arranger maysecure the stems 23 by one or more means 8, such as tape or fabric orany other suitable and durable method for securing stems. Thereafter,frame 1 and spindle shaft 3 may be detached from the bracket 5 byremoving fastener 6 from the lower arm 5 b, thereby avoiding unnecessarycontact with the plants inserted into the frame 1. In an alternateembodiment, the spindle shaft 3 may be detached from bracket 5 bysliding the spindle shaft 3 upward separating the shaft from thebracket. Once the frame is released, the stems may be placed in water orother liquid to maintain freshness.

The apparatuses shown in FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4B are stand alone fixtures,that may be used in place of the bracket 5, and clamp 4. Eachconfiguration includes a base 21 and a center hollow first support shaft22. The shaft may be assembled from two cooperating telescopingremovable shafts 22, 27 to adjust its height. In one non-limitingembodiment of the invention with a stand alone fixture, as illustratedin FIG. 4A, an adapter block 20, by way of example and not limitation,is formed substantially in the shape of a cube. The block 20, has anopening 24 on the top side for receiving the handle of a floralarranging device having a handle, by way of example and not limitation afloral foam form 30 as well as the second support shaft 27 joined to theunderside of the adapter block 20. The base 21, with center hollowsupport shaft 22 extending upward from the top side of the base 21, forreceiving and securely holding shaft 23.

FIG. 4B shows the stand alone fixture utilizing the frame 1 joined tofirst support shaft 27 and the base 21. In an alternative embodiment,the spindle 3 (see, FIG. 1) may be used in place of the support shaft27.

Referring to FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, block 20 has a first channel 24 thatextends through the block 20. First channel 24 is a receiving channel ofa depth and diameter and shape to accept and securely hold a variety offloral arranging devices, for example, a generally spherical floral foamform composed of a penetrable structure, where flower stems are inserted(see, FIG. 4A, 30). The floral foam form serves the floral retainingfunction of the frame 1 (see, FIG. 1), and hereinafter either element isreferred to as a frame. The adapter block 20 has a second channel 25parallel to the first channel 24, and is of a depth and diameter tosecurely accept and hold a shaft 27 (see, FIG. 4A) or alternatively thespindle 3 (see, FIG. 1, 3). Moving in a direction away from channel 25,is a threaded hole 26, into which a fastener, for example a set screw,may be used to connect with channel 25, to lock the adapter to a shaft27 (see, FIG. 4A) or alternatively the spindle 3 (see, FIG. 1, 3).

FIG. 6, illustrates a method of arranging plants comprising the steps ofselecting 51 a floral arranging device from one of a 3D substantiallyconic section frame, having thereon one of apertures, or a floral form,for the insertion of plant stems; attaching 53 the frame to a supportapparatus, having one or more of a first support shaft, a second supportshaft, or a spindle, a bracket and a holding device; connecting 55 theframe and support apparatus to a base; adjusting 57 the height and depthof the frame relative to a flower arranger; inserting 59 the plant stemsinto one of, the frame apertures or floral form; securing 61 the plantstems at a common point; detaching 63 the frame and support apparatusfrom the base; and removing 65 the frame for use.

The present invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiments, it should be noted and understood that variousmodifications and variations can be crafted by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure should be interpreted asillustrative only and is not to be interpreted in a limiting sense.Further it is intended that any other embodiments of the presentinvention that result from any changes in application or method of useor operation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or materials which arenot specified within the detailed written description or illustrationscontained herein are considered within the scope of the presentinvention.

What is claimed:
 1. A reusable apparatus for arranging a floral bouquetcomprising: a frame, having a substantially parabolic shape orhemispherical shape with apertures arranged thereon for the insertion ofplant stems, such that plant stems converge substantially at a commonpoint; said frame attached to an adjustable support apparatus, includingan associated spindle, and a bracket having a lower arm with a slottedportion that adjusts the location of the spindle, and an upper armslotted portion that adjusts the location of a holding device, includinga clamp that attaches to a base; and wherein said frame is removable foruse.
 2. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein the frame apertures areperpendicular to the plane of the frame.
 3. The apparatus in claim 1,wherein the frame is coded with one or more of: notches, numbers,letters, words, colors.
 4. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein theapertures are coded with one or more of: notches, numbers, letters,words, colors.
 5. The apparatus in claim 1, wherein the apertures are inthe shape of one or more of: circles, ellipses, ovals, polygons.
 6. Theapparatus in claim 1, wherein one or more of the frame, spindle, bracketand clamp, are formed by injection molding, thermoforming, 3D printing,additive manufacturing, or metal forming manufacturing.
 7. The apparatusin claim 1, wherein the spindle consists of cooperating telescopingshafts.
 8. A method of arranging flowers using the apparatus of claim 1comprising: (i) selecting the floral arranging apparatus frame having asubstantially parabolic shape or hemispherical shape for the insertionof plant stems; (ii) attaching the frame to the support apparatus; (iii)connecting the frame and support apparatus to a base; (iv) adjusting theheight and depth of the frame; (v) inserting the plant stems into theframe apertures; (vi) securing the plant stems at a common point; (vii)detaching the frame and support apparatus from the base; (viii) removingthe frame for use.